WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

8. The use of course-level specific assessment projects for different levels of math,
and the analysis of the results by math teachers as a group in order to improve
instruction
9. An increased proficiency in the use of rubrics tailored to specific instructional areas
to standardize the assessment of projects or papers
10. The design and distribution of an Assessment Handbook and an Assessment
Brochure
2) Declining enrollments, small class sizes, liberal staffing, and the threat of declining
financial resources require that the College develop a plan to dramatically increase
efficiency.
Following the recommendation of the former visiting team, WNCC has responded by
implementing strategies which have led to an increase in student enrollment. Examples of
those changes are illustrated below:
1. An Associate Degree of Nursing program was established to meet the nursing
shortage at local health-care facilities. Program enrollment has been excellent,
drawing students from Nebraska as well as Colorado and Wyoming.
2. The Powerline Construction & Maintenance Technology program was added in the
fall term of 2007. This program was established to help meet the predicted
shortage of qualified technicians due to retirements and is currently operating at
capacity (having been recently increased to 20 student slots from 15).
3. The addition of athletic teams has increased enrollment. Men’s and women’s
soccer, baseball, and softball have been added to the existing volleyball and
men’s and women’s basketball team sport opportunities.
4. WNCC has increased efforts at promoting equal access. Enrollment of Hispanic
students has increased from 12% to 17% of full-time students, as of 2008.
5. In the fall of 2008, a new residence hall (Conestoga Hall) at Scottsbluff was built,
allowing more out-of-area students to locate housing.
6. The Business and Individual Training branch established several business
partnerships which have increased enrollment. Key partnerships are with
Cabela’s, Regional West Medical Center, and the Panhandle Health and Human
Services organization.
7. The development of the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) was also a
driving factor for increased enrollment. Due to the skill development steps, this
degree provides flexibility for students by allowing them to design individualized
pathways in skills or training emphasis areas they want to pursue.
Page 18
Western Nebraska Community College